Butter Steamed Beets

4 cups thinly sliced uncooked beets
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
6 tablespoons water or more if needed

Using a large heavy frying pan at least 10 inches wide melt the butter over high heat – the butter will start to brown very slightly as it melts – this is okay. Add the beets then the water – stir then cover. Add 2 or 3 more tablespoons of water as needed until the beets are tender. Season with salt and pepper (to your taste) and serve immediately.

Variation: Beets with Orange and Sour Cream. Add 2 tablespoons of orange juice and 1/4 teaspoon grated orange peel during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Season with salt and pepper and blend in 1/2 cup sour cream.